CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Philippines and United States formally celebrated the completion of three new engineering projects in Antique, Ilocos Norte, and Aurora with dedication ceremonies from April 26 to 28 as part of Exercise Balikatan.
For the last month, more than 120 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. service members demonstrated the true spirit of the 38th iteration of the exercise by working “shoulder-to-shoulder” to construct a multi-purpose community center in Sibalom, Antique, a health center in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and a health center in Baler, Aurora.
These projects aim to support local communities in the Philippines with infrastructure development, new community-focused structures and relief from weather-related disasters.
“I personally don't see this project [in Baler, Aurora] as a mere building. For me, it is a symbol of unity between the U.S. and the Philippines,” said Gov. Gerardo Noveras, Governor of Aurora, at the Baler Health Center Dedication Ceremony on April 26. “This community health care center will serve as a valuable testament to our unending friendship with the United States of America. This project realizes that Balikatan is not really about joint military drills, but it is an attestation of a strong commitment to elevating the plight of our people through humanitarian civic assistance.”
In addition to the engineering civic assistance projects, AFP and U.S. forces hosted 11 health classes and engagements, participated in more than 100 engagements with local key leaders and the community, and collaborated on four community relations events under the Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) element of the exercise.
“The CJCMOTF’s efforts during Exercise Balikatan have undoubtedly made positive, long-lasting impacts in our local communities," said Philippine Air Force Col. Arman Mampusti, AFP CJCMOTF commanding officer. "The progress we’ve made, from building new structures to hosting medical events and delivering essential life support materials, has been incredible. We achieved what we set out to do during this iteration of Exercise Balikatan and look forward to continuing our shared goals of supporting and capacitating local populations and creating resilient communities.”
The CJCMOTF is a key pillar of the Balikatan exercise, enhancing the quality of life for Filipinos and strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines.
“We’re extremely proud of our AFP-U.S. CJCMOTF team’s engineering, community engagement and medical training work this Exercise Balikatan,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. D. Scott Morrison, U.S. CJCMOTF commanding officer. “Operating alongside our AFP counterparts has given us a great opportunity to exchange best practices and build rapport, rooted in genuine friendships, needed to quickly respond to crises and contingencies.”
Interpersonal relationships and friendships between American and Philippine citizens form bedrock of the U.S. and Filipino alliance, which grows stronger every time the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines work together. This year’s Exercise Balikatan builds upon this friendship and serves as the largest iteration to date, with over 17,500 combined troops from the AFP and the U.S. military.